Has The Northern Star considered awarding recognition for the most rambling, incoherent letter to the editor? If so, then Jace Krause’s letter of April 6 deserves a spot on the top 20.

From his fury at “blind patriotism and mindless nationalism” to his declaration that “homosexuals deserve more respect” than the “misinformed bigots” that are fighting for “freedom and democracy”, Krause’s harangue serves as a reminder that before mailing a letter to the editor, it is a good idea to read over what you have written.

Krause claims that he does not “see how U.S. military invasions…have anything to do with the defense of freedom”. From the examples he gives, “Cuba, Puerto Rico, Grenada, Korea, etc.,” his claim to ignorance is well founded.

Does Krause really believe Cuba was enjoying more freedom under Spanish colonial rule (which instituted the first concentration camps to supress rebellion)? Is Krause suggesting that South Korea would have enjoyed more freedom had the U.S. military forces not turned back the invading North Koreans?

Even more confusing is Krause’s attempt at justifying his view that homosexuals should be allowed to serve in the armed forces.

Apparently anyone who does not believe (as he does) that homosexuality “happens naturally” or who does not agree with him that “homosexuals deserve more respect” is a “misinformed bigot”. What does Krause call his own labeling of anyone who dares to disagree with his views?

As an expert on freedom Krause no doubt realizes that the U.S. is not a perfect country. It does, however, provide him with the freedom to leave if he finds its policies intolerable. He might be happier in a country which has not suffered from the horrors of an American military invasion. In fact, there should be a few vacancies still available in East Germany.

Don Zahorick

Senior

History